Youkilis Wants To Play For Israel in World Baseball Classic

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Aug 23, 2012 5:40PM

Since joining the White Sox in June, third baseman Kevin Youkilis has been a key spark in their batting line-up, providing a number of clutch and game winning hits as the team remains atop the AL Central. Just two nights ago, his grand slam helped the Sox beat the New York Yankees in game two of what would eventually become a three game sweep. If the Sox do end up winning the division, the addition of Youk will be a major reason why.

Can Youk do the same for the Promised Land?

Despite his Greek sounding name, the three-time All-Star is actually part of a small tribe of Jewish ballplayers. And on account of their religious heritage, they're eligible to take the field for Israel in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. On Wednesday, Youkilis stated on Israel Sports Radio that he plans to play for the Israeli team next spring if the team qualifies for the World Baseball Classic.

Team Israel will play in a qualifying tournament held in Jupiter, Fla. in November next month in hopes of earning one of four remaining berths in next spring's Classic. If the team qualifies for the WBC, Youkilis would join recently retired MLB players Shawn Green and Gabe Kapler on the team, which will be coached by Brad Ausmus. A number of additional Jewish active major leaguers might also join the squad, including Ryan Braun and Jason Marquis.